Kota Kinabalu: Datuk Ong Kim Swee praised his players’ fighting spirit despite Sabah FC losing 2-3 to Haiphong FC in the AFC Cup tie at the Lach Tray Stadium on Wednesday.
It was the first defeat for the team in group H following their earlier 3-1 and 5-0 wins over Hougang United FC of Singapore and Indonesian side PSM Makasar respectively.
They could have easily taken an early lead when a close range shot by Gabrile Peres struck one of their players on the line and the follow-up by Dominic Tan went sky high.
It was a costly miss as the home side then took a surprise lead in the 14th minute when a cross from Nguyen Huu Son somehow eluded everybody and went in at the far post.
Dam Tien Dung extended their lead four minutes later with a shot that took a reflection before going into the net.
Sabah FC played better in the second half and they managed to score through Ramon Machado who headed in from a cross by Darren Lok in the 71st minute.
However, the joy was short lived and within a minute, Haiphong restored their lead when Tien Nung was given the time and space in the box to find the top right corner.
Although substitute Gary Steven Robbat was able to find the net with a thunderbolt in the 80th minute, the home side were able to hold firm to deny Sabah FC getting the equaliser.
Ong admitted after the game that defensive vulnerability early in games put them on the back foot.
“Of course it was not good to concede two fast goals so early in the match and that destroyed our game plan.
“Haiphong are a good team and we knew they needed to win tonight to stay alive in the group.
“However, it is not over yet. Our boys showed good character even though we were down by 0-2 and 1-3 at one stage.
“We tried our best to come back but unfortunately we just couldn’t find the equaliser after the goal from Gary,” he said.
Sabah FC are now level with Haiphong FC on six points but with better goal difference.
Both teams will meet again in the next round at Likas Stadium on November 9.
